London & South East

MODE: a theatrical clubbing experience

The launch of MODE in Notting Hill on April 4, 2014 in London, England.

The launch of MODE in Notting Hill on April 4, 2014 in London, England.

The unveiling of a brand new quirky nightclub in Notting Hill, London; MODE took place on the 4th April 2014.

MODE is the first of its kind and comprises a nightclub, restaurant and bar inside a theatrical venue situated directly below the A40.

The creation of MODE was overseen by Creative Director, Robin Collings. Premier Hospitality caught up with Robin to find out more about the project. He said:

“I was approached by MODE’s Directors who said they wanted me on board in a bid to combine relentless creativity and experimental aesthetics in their new venue. We wanted to come at venue design from a different angle and decided to look at the venue as a sculpture.

“The venue is an iconic building and has seen The Foo Fighters, Nirvana, The Clash and Bob Marley perform over the years. The site used to be called Acklam Hall in the 1980’s, Subterranea in the 1990’s and was The Supper Club in the 2000’s so it has a real heritage.”

After MODE bought the venue they stripped the building down to its core and knocked numerous walls down. The two storey building comprises a lobby, cocktail bar and main club space; upon entering the venue guests find themselves in the lobby room which stretches five and a half metres. The space is grand and boasts an impressive light sculpture which contrasts with the industrial steel panels with heavy rivets that adorn the walls.

The launch of MODE in Notting Hill on April 4, 2014 in London, England.

 

With regards to the site’s design, Robin added:

“The whole venue is very theatrical; I wanted to make people feel the transition from the street to the venue. The idea behind the design is to make guests change their mode of behaviour due to their location; the space resets your behavioural patterns and takes guests on a bizarre theatrical tour.”

Guests will then descend into MODE’s cocktail bar which boasts a copper bar, illuminated by a plethora of filament bulbs in the roof. The space also contains an array of beautiful paintings created by high profile modern artists.

The cocktail bar continues the future vintage theme that can be traced throughout the venue. Quirky high cocktail tables can be found which are multifunctional; operating as nightclub tables or alternatively as a place to have finger food and drinks depending on the event.

The design team have comprised a mixture of textures throughout, combining the elegant and delicate with various vintage chunky metal features. The bar and main club space are separated by copper clad sliding doors. The main club space holds a large dance floor which in the evening is used as a dining space.

The venue also holds a stage; atop the stage is a flaming pipe organ which spits fire and smokes, blowing out confetti and lasers during DJ sets and dance gigs. The pipe organ acts as a focal point, as does the five meter spitfire sculpture which hangs above the main dance floor in MODE. Another impressive feature of MODE can be found outside the building. An emerging artist from ATC Architecture, Andrew Cross, designed the large timber sculpture.

MODE Notting Hill, London, England

The project only took a total of five weeks to complete; Dakota design consultant and main contractors Pringle Contracts worked with MODE’s Directors and Robin Collings to bring Mode into being. Robin said:

“There were quite a few design constraints on the project as the roof of the building is directly below the A40 road and so it couldn’t be touched which was a big challenge.

“MODE is such an interesting venue as we have decided that every six months we are going to redesign the interior and re-launch the club. This will be our business model; a hive of constant creativity.”

Pringle Contracts Ltd

Pringle Contracts Ltd are specialists in shop fitting and the development of companies in the hospitality sector. They have undertaken projects in bars, nightclubs and restaurants since their inception four years ago.

The firm have an impressive portfolio which spans a number of projects including The Cairn Hotel in Edinburgh, The Royal British Hotel in Edinburgh, The Monkey House Development in Aberdeen, Central Bean Coffee Shop in Jesmond and Pacific Bar in Newcastle.

The launch of MODE in Notting Hill on April 4, 2014 in London, England.

Most recently the firm acted as the main contractor on the development of MODE nightclub. This involved completing the whole fit out including the structural works, plastering, electrical and plumbing works. The company also built all the main features in the venue including the impressive bar, completing the flooring and the decoration.

Premier Hospitality caught up with Pringle Contracts Ltd owner Paul Pringle to find out what it meant to be involved with MODE. He said:

“It was great working for MODE because it is the first venue we have done for this client. As well as this it is the first job we have done in the centre of London.

“We pride ourselves on providing a high standard of finish at a very reasonable price. We also are willing to work country wide; undertaking projects wherever our clients require.”

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Roma Publications